As my travel schedule slowed to a crawl in 2020, I did what millions of Americans did during quarantine, searching for love and distraction — I adopted a puppy! I personally believe adopting or rescuing a dog/cat/animal is the best and most responsible way to find a new furry friend. I was lucky enough to have a robust adoption non-profit close by, The Wagmor.

One day in early September a set of puppies rescued from a nearby city were posted on Instagram and I instantly fell in love with a chubby dog with oddly placed black spots all over named Whipped Cream. Three weeks later I was able to pick up Duke (formerly known as Whipped Cream) and have been running around like a new parent ever since. We have gone to the beach in Malibu, on walks to the park and have begun socializing with other dogs in my circle. He is already 14 weeks, has thinned out, became more curious and is a joy to watch.

As travel begins to resume more robustly in 2021, we may need to lean on family and friends to help with dog sitting, but our lives are fuller with him in it!

Do you know someone that adopted a dog during quarantine? How do you juggle travel and owning a pet?

— Carly Allen, executive vice president, associate publisher